Source: Time
Author: Alexandra Sifferlin &
And how you can prevent it
While sunscreen can protect from sunburns, skin cancer and premature aging, new research published Wednesday revealed that a chemical found in many formulas can contribute to the destruction of coral reefs.
As TIME reported, new research published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology revealed that the chemical oxybenzone is harmful to coral in a variety of ways. Sometimes called the “rainforests of the ocean,” coral is integral to biodiversity and to the environmental health of ocean life, including fish. Local economies also rely on beautiful coral as a tourist draw.
The graphic explains everything you need to know about oxybenzone—and how you can avoid it if you choose to. For more information on sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone, check out this list from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
